Maserati Merak 2000 GT 1979

The 1979 Maserati Merak 2000 GT is a fascinating piece of Italian automotive history, bringing together style, engineering and Maserati's signature flair. Introduced in the 1970s as a more compact version of the legendary Maserati Bora, the Merak combined the best of both worlds: the thrill of a mid-engine sports car with a somewhat friendlier character that was also suitable for everyday use. The 2000 GT version, like this one, was developed specifically for the Italian market to meet the tax advantages for engines up to two liters, making it unique within the Merak line. Only 200 units of the Merak 2000 were manufactured.

This particular example comes from a private collection and is in drivable condition, although some maintenance is advised before it can be let loose on the road again. The heart of the Merak, the V6 engine, shares its roots with the powerful Citroën SM, representing a special collaboration between the French and Italian automotive worlds - a beautiful piece of history that gives this Maserati an extra dimension.

The body of the Merak was designed by Giugiaro of Italdesign and bears that typical seventies sports car style: sharp lines, low roofline, and an elegant profile that impresses even today. The Merak distinguished itself from the Bora by the use of a smaller engine and the addition of two small rear seats, which made it just a little more practical than its bigger brother. Nevertheless, the driving experience was anything but modest; the combination of the lightweight chassis and the lively V6 produced a dynamic and immersive driving experience.

In its day, the Maserati Merak was one of the first sports cars to make the mid-engine concept accessible to a wider audience. Rather than pure brute force, the emphasis was on balanced handling, which made it ideal for the winding Italian mountain roads for which it seemed to have been built. The Merak's compact size and relatively low weight made it a delightful driver's car, while the interior, with its original cloth upholstery and luxurious details, recalls the elegance and craftsmanship for which Maserati is known.

To get a good picture of the car, we recommend coming to one of the viewing days.